What do you think?
Rate this book
The London Lords #3
Tempting the Marquess
After his parents were brutally murdered, William Hastings, Marquess of Standish dedicated his life to duty, king, and country. For ten years he’s been immersed in the shadowy world of British government intrigues, until the day they ask the impossible—interrogate the innocent and lushly sensual daughter of a suspected traitor under the guise of courtship.
Lady Samantha Buchanan’s secrets could destroy her reputation, but she has returned to London for a Season long denied. Swept up in the intoxicating whirl of the ton—and a scorching reintroduction to her dashing childhood companion Lord Standish—it appears happiness is finally within reach. But where truth and deception intertwine, and deadly enemies circle, can love ever hope for victory?
This Regency romantic suspense contains sex scenes, strong language, and violence.
Lady Samantha Buchanan’s secrets could destroy her reputation, but she has returned to London for a Season long denied. Swept up in the intoxicating whirl of the ton—and a scorching reintroduction to her dashing childhood companion Lord Standish—it appears happiness is finally within reach. But where truth and deception intertwine, and deadly enemies circle, can love ever hope for victory?
This Regency romantic suspense contains sex scenes, strong language, and violence.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2017
96 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Davidson
38 books726 followersUSA Today bestselling author Nicola Davidson worked for many years in media and government communications, but hasn't looked back since she decided writing erotic historical romance was infinitely more fun. When not chained to a computer, she can be found ambling along one of New Zealand’s beautiful beaches, cheering on the All Blacks rugby team, history geeking on the internet, or daydreaming. If this includes dessert—even better!
Her books have appeared in USA Today, NPR, and Entertainment Weekly.
Keep up with Nicola’s news on Twitter (@NicolaMDavidson) Facebook (Nicola Davidson – Author) Instagram (nicoladauthor) or her website www.nicola-davidson.com
Her books have appeared in USA Today, NPR, and Entertainment Weekly.
Keep up with Nicola’s news on Twitter (@NicolaMDavidson) Facebook (Nicola Davidson – Author) Instagram (nicoladauthor) or her website www.nicola-davidson.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 25, 2022
3.5 stars. The beginning was good but then it got to be a bit unbelievable and I didn’t not like the epilogue. Could have done without it.
October 4, 2018
Promising start but devolved into a mess
This book took a big departure from the tone of the the other books in the series. Started off well, but then they are apart for a good portion of the middle. What happens when William returns as well as the villainous side of the story just becomes ridiculous and annoying and eventually just plain insultingly stupid. To the point I started skimming through just to finish. Nicola Davidson is often hit or miss for me and this one became a big miss.
I had been hoping for more of the series after the first two books, but even though the epilogue definitely hints there are more stories to come, there don't seem to have been any more to come out...and I don't know if I'm interested in reading them anymore anyway.
This book took a big departure from the tone of the the other books in the series. Started off well, but then they are apart for a good portion of the middle. What happens when William returns as well as the villainous side of the story just becomes ridiculous and annoying and eventually just plain insultingly stupid. To the point I started skimming through just to finish. Nicola Davidson is often hit or miss for me and this one became a big miss.
I had been hoping for more of the series after the first two books, but even though the epilogue definitely hints there are more stories to come, there don't seem to have been any more to come out...and I don't know if I'm interested in reading them anymore anyway.
December 17, 2017
This was such a fun read.
August 29, 2017
Lady Samantha Buchanan had been ignored or sent away all her life, her parents had more important things to do. William Hastings, Marquess of Standish, lost his parents young. He believes in country and duty.
This is an amazing story of spies, traitors and murderers. Sam's father is believed to be a traitor but they can't prove it. This is a complex tale. I have no idea how this marvelous author can keep track of it all. She does though. A spell binding tale is woven, her characters so real and her descriptions very much enhance the book. It makes for a mesmerizing story.
This is an amazing story of spies, traitors and murderers. Sam's father is believed to be a traitor but they can't prove it. This is a complex tale. I have no idea how this marvelous author can keep track of it all. She does though. A spell binding tale is woven, her characters so real and her descriptions very much enhance the book. It makes for a mesmerizing story.
May 29, 2022
3.5⭐️
August 7, 2017
That was good. Well written for a 1815 book setting & romantic as well. I liked the mystery & the original story of it, I've read a lot about the French war in historicals but this was unique.
Looking forward to both Roberts & especially Alexanders story, he was so great to Samantha in this story when she needed him. Well done series. This is a good author and I like the steam she adds as well.
Looking forward to both Roberts & especially Alexanders story, he was so great to Samantha in this story when she needed him. Well done series. This is a good author and I like the steam she adds as well.
July 16, 2017
After his parents were brutally murdered when he was fourteen, William Hastings, Marquis of Standish dedicated his life to duty, king, and country. He was recruited at Cambridge because of his gift of languages & for over a decade he’s been immersed in the shadowy world of British government intrigues, until the day White asks the impossible interrogate the innocent and lushly sensual daughter of a suspected traitor under the guise of courtship.
Lady Samantha Buchanan’s secrets could destroy her reputation, but she has returned to London for a Season long denied. Swept up in the intoxicating whirl of the ton and a scorching reintroduction to her dashing childhood companion Lord Standish it appears happiness is finally within reach.
This is the third book in the series, but could be read as a standalone. The plot has twists & turns with, traitors, French spies, murder, rescues & romance. The characters are well portrayed with the good guys being good & the bad guys really villainous. William knows he should marry but isn’t interested in love or so he thought. Sam isn’t the usual svelte, elegant debutante but a young woman with curves & two left feet, she’s also lonely & treated abominably by her parents. There is an immediate attraction between the pair & it sizzles. There are misunderstandings & the saying eavesdroppers never hear any good is certainly true. I found it very hard to put the book down, another stunning romance from the author; I’m so looking forward to the other three Lords having their stories.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Lady Samantha Buchanan’s secrets could destroy her reputation, but she has returned to London for a Season long denied. Swept up in the intoxicating whirl of the ton and a scorching reintroduction to her dashing childhood companion Lord Standish it appears happiness is finally within reach.
This is the third book in the series, but could be read as a standalone. The plot has twists & turns with, traitors, French spies, murder, rescues & romance. The characters are well portrayed with the good guys being good & the bad guys really villainous. William knows he should marry but isn’t interested in love or so he thought. Sam isn’t the usual svelte, elegant debutante but a young woman with curves & two left feet, she’s also lonely & treated abominably by her parents. There is an immediate attraction between the pair & it sizzles. There are misunderstandings & the saying eavesdroppers never hear any good is certainly true. I found it very hard to put the book down, another stunning romance from the author; I’m so looking forward to the other three Lords having their stories.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
October 16, 2019
Tempting the Marquess is the third book in The London Lords series.
Prologue, April 1799. Story begins in London, 1815. Epilogue, October 1815.
I skimmed the last half of this historical romance because it was a tad uninspiring. This book was not my cup of tea.
The London Lords. A small, select circle of heirs who remained good friends since their days at Eton, the men now known as the London Lords are among the most powerful and wealthiest in England.
To Love a Hellion: 3 stars: Stephen & Carolyn
Rake to Riches: 4- stars: George & Louisa
Tempting the Marquess: 2 stars: William & Samantha
William Hastings, Marquess of Standish, has dedicated his life to duty, king, and country after his parents were brutally murdered. For ten years he’s been immersed in the shadowy world of British government intrigues.
Lady Samantha Buchanan is oblivious to the fact that she’s the daughter of a suspected traitor. She was an insipid Heroine.
I didn’t like their names.
William & Samantha’s sexy times were cringe-worthy.
I didn’t like the flow or pace of the story.
I don’t recommend this book. I most probably won’t continue with this series.
Prologue, April 1799. Story begins in London, 1815. Epilogue, October 1815.
I skimmed the last half of this historical romance because it was a tad uninspiring. This book was not my cup of tea.
The London Lords. A small, select circle of heirs who remained good friends since their days at Eton, the men now known as the London Lords are among the most powerful and wealthiest in England.
To Love a Hellion: 3 stars: Stephen & Carolyn
Rake to Riches: 4- stars: George & Louisa
Tempting the Marquess: 2 stars: William & Samantha
William Hastings, Marquess of Standish, has dedicated his life to duty, king, and country after his parents were brutally murdered. For ten years he’s been immersed in the shadowy world of British government intrigues.
Lady Samantha Buchanan is oblivious to the fact that she’s the daughter of a suspected traitor. She was an insipid Heroine.
I didn’t like their names.
William & Samantha’s sexy times were cringe-worthy.
I didn’t like the flow or pace of the story.
I don’t recommend this book. I most probably won’t continue with this series.
April 20, 2022
3.5 for the series.
I burned through this series pretty quickly, the writing was very engaging and I loved the characters. I enjoyed all of the books so far and hope she'll continue the series, I appreciated that there was a good mix of internal and external plot driving the drama in these books so it never felt like it was just a couple bickering for a few hundred pages to create conflict. I will say the villains in the books are all very same-y even with their very different motivations - the characterizations were basically identical, and they were all SO over the top evil that it was almost caricature. If Davidson continues with book four I hope she attempts a villain who is a little more complex than openly talking about how much he enjoys sexual violence and murder repeatedly and often, to anyone who'll listen. She's really good at giving interesting and varied motivations to villains, but leans too hard into making them mustache-twirling monsters that it gets repetitive, especially back to back.
I burned through this series pretty quickly, the writing was very engaging and I loved the characters. I enjoyed all of the books so far and hope she'll continue the series, I appreciated that there was a good mix of internal and external plot driving the drama in these books so it never felt like it was just a couple bickering for a few hundred pages to create conflict. I will say the villains in the books are all very same-y even with their very different motivations - the characterizations were basically identical, and they were all SO over the top evil that it was almost caricature. If Davidson continues with book four I hope she attempts a villain who is a little more complex than openly talking about how much he enjoys sexual violence and murder repeatedly and often, to anyone who'll listen. She's really good at giving interesting and varied motivations to villains, but leans too hard into making them mustache-twirling monsters that it gets repetitive, especially back to back.
November 26, 2017
Spying, traitorous acts, intrigue, murder and then there is love and loving. This is what this story is about. There are also moments of wit and humor, enough to keep a smile on your dial.
I love Lady Sam's character. She has backbone and isn't afraid to face whatever situation she finds herself in.
Lord Standish is a strong man with a rather difficult problem to solve. He has feelings for Lady Sam but is assigned the task of finding out if she is loyal to the Crown or not.
Together they solve this rather problematic situation as well as some others and find that they have gotten to know each other rather well in doing so.
This is an enjoyable read where family and friends show their support.
I am happy to recommend this entertaining book and hope you enjoy it too.
I love Lady Sam's character. She has backbone and isn't afraid to face whatever situation she finds herself in.
Lord Standish is a strong man with a rather difficult problem to solve. He has feelings for Lady Sam but is assigned the task of finding out if she is loyal to the Crown or not.
Together they solve this rather problematic situation as well as some others and find that they have gotten to know each other rather well in doing so.
This is an enjoyable read where family and friends show their support.
I am happy to recommend this entertaining book and hope you enjoy it too.
May 5, 2018
The three books in this series are great reads. This book revolves around William who has been assigned to get close to Samantha to determine if she is part of her father’s treasonous plot against England. It turns out she is not and along the way they fall in love. The book involves plots of treason, murder, imprisonment, torture and also a HEA. There is so much in the book that one needs to read it to understand how it is related to the first two in the sequence. This is the second time I have read each of these three book and I did it in order to leave a review. They are as good a read the second time as they were the first time. I would highly recommend these books and this author. Nicola Davidson rocks! Please give Lord Robert his own story.
August 29, 2017
You will regret not reading this.
Lady Samantha Buchanan had been ignored or sent away, her parents had more important things to do. William Earl of tandish lost is parents young. He believed in country and duty.
This is an amazing story of spies, traitors and murderers. Sam's father is believed to be a traitor but they can't prove it. This is a very complex tale. I have no idea how the marvelous author can keep track of it all. She does though. A spell binding tale is woven and her characters so rel and her descriptions very much enhance the book. It makes for a mesmerizing story.
Lady Samantha Buchanan had been ignored or sent away, her parents had more important things to do. William Earl of tandish lost is parents young. He believed in country and duty.
This is an amazing story of spies, traitors and murderers. Sam's father is believed to be a traitor but they can't prove it. This is a very complex tale. I have no idea how the marvelous author can keep track of it all. She does though. A spell binding tale is woven and her characters so rel and her descriptions very much enhance the book. It makes for a mesmerizing story.
November 18, 2017
You Will Love William and Samantha Story
Another strong humorous and exciting story by Nicola Davidson. William and Samantha were childhood friends that reconnected as adults. William is a spy for his country and Samantha is a knife welding kinky headed independent young debutant with despicable parents. William is assigned to watch Samantha and see if she is involved in her father's treasonous activities. The sparks fly. It's fun and exciting reading with a good plot line. And I absolutely loved Uncle David. All books need and uncle David. I'm not going to be able to stop until I have read all of Nicola Davidson's books......She's a Jewel!
Another strong humorous and exciting story by Nicola Davidson. William and Samantha were childhood friends that reconnected as adults. William is a spy for his country and Samantha is a knife welding kinky headed independent young debutant with despicable parents. William is assigned to watch Samantha and see if she is involved in her father's treasonous activities. The sparks fly. It's fun and exciting reading with a good plot line. And I absolutely loved Uncle David. All books need and uncle David. I'm not going to be able to stop until I have read all of Nicola Davidson's books......She's a Jewel!
July 28, 2017
Ok it's official, I really, really like Nicola Davidson's writing! This third installment didn't lack the sparkling wit and banter between now familiar characters from previous stories even with the introduction of a new plot line. I can't tell you how much I enjoy her dialogue. I also loved the progression of the love story, (it wasn't artificially prolonged to the point of frustration) the spy narrative and then how they are both brought back together. I can't wait for the next installment, and I'm really hoping we get Victoria's story at some point as well!
May 8, 2023
wish the series was longer
Love Nicola Davidson and this series was no different. Although at first the heroine seemed a little lacklustre she developed more of a spine and as a character.
I didn’t expect it but this series developed to have similar vibes as the inferno series by GF. Melodramatic in the absolutely best way, mild in the spice this may be the third book in The London Lords series, but it is my second favourite of the trilogy.
I HOPE there is more to come about The London Lords.
Love Nicola Davidson and this series was no different. Although at first the heroine seemed a little lacklustre she developed more of a spine and as a character.
I didn’t expect it but this series developed to have similar vibes as the inferno series by GF. Melodramatic in the absolutely best way, mild in the spice this may be the third book in The London Lords series, but it is my second favourite of the trilogy.
I HOPE there is more to come about The London Lords.
July 25, 2017
The turmoil of war.
Samantha's naïve innocence runs headlong into her zest to be socially accepted in spite oh her family's reputation. Lord Standish's duty is priority number one to him. It is this duty that brings he and Samantha together. All hell breaks loose as both strive to make romance work under the worse conditions possible. I also appreciate closure of circumstances from book one of London Lords. This is a must read for anyone and especially London Lords fans. ☺
Samantha's naïve innocence runs headlong into her zest to be socially accepted in spite oh her family's reputation. Lord Standish's duty is priority number one to him. It is this duty that brings he and Samantha together. All hell breaks loose as both strive to make romance work under the worse conditions possible. I also appreciate closure of circumstances from book one of London Lords. This is a must read for anyone and especially London Lords fans. ☺
July 8, 2021
Spy reunites with a childhood friend. He must spy on her to get intel on her father. He thinks she might be a spy. He thinks she’s seeing his best friend. He dresses up in an old man disguised. There is a lot going on in this book. She is also pregnant with his baby. A happy ending is satisfying when villains are defeated. I would love to have both an Alexander and a Robert story. I’m on board if the author wants to go back to this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2019
I don’t know what it was, but I did not like Samantha at all. Caro and Lula were amazingly real and had great chemistry with Stephen and George. I liked William was looking forward to his story but to pair him with Sam ugh. Was she supposed to be funny?Fierce? Demure? I basically paged through just to hopefully get a hint of who would be in the next book. I’m hoping Robert and Victoria.
January 9, 2023
The hero and heroine spend a lot of time apart due to his spy work.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
And she is not a virgin, she does tell the hero before they are intimate and then gets pregnant the first time they have sex before they are married. So she is very worried she will start to show the pregnancy before the hero returns from France.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
And she is not a virgin, she does tell the hero before they are intimate and then gets pregnant the first time they have sex before they are married. So she is very worried she will start to show the pregnancy before the hero returns from France.
July 24, 2017
If you want a wild ride then this is the book for you. William and Samantha’s story kept me on the edge of my seat. Spies, disguises and seduction – all the things I want in a book. I loved it.
Also, a cliffhanger….Robert, Alexander?
Also, a cliffhanger….Robert, Alexander?
January 13, 2018
WONDERFUL STORY!
This was amazing and amusing at times! To have so much love along friends is remarkable. For William to think his father meant do not love your wife was ludicrous. I'm am glad to see the little girl from his past captured his heart!
This was amazing and amusing at times! To have so much love along friends is remarkable. For William to think his father meant do not love your wife was ludicrous. I'm am glad to see the little girl from his past captured his heart!
January 20, 2018
Very enjoyable read
So far I have read the 3 book series. I have totally enjoyed the characters and hilarious banter. Would highly recommend this series. Hopefully we will get to read Robert and Alexanders story.
So far I have read the 3 book series. I have totally enjoyed the characters and hilarious banter. Would highly recommend this series. Hopefully we will get to read Robert and Alexanders story.
March 4, 2018
Best series I read in awhile
I absolutely love this series so far! I've read all 3 in 2 days! Amazing writing, fantastic characters, and addictive storylines! I cannot wait for the next one!
I absolutely love this series so far! I've read all 3 in 2 days! Amazing writing, fantastic characters, and addictive storylines! I cannot wait for the next one!
July 23, 2021
Lots of obstacles in the way of Standish's and Samantha's romance. He might have been murdered in France; she might be the daughter of a traitor. You know, the usual.
Liked this pairing -- a bit of grumpy/sunshine going on. Especially liked Samantha's forthright nature and her unusual hobby.
Liked this pairing -- a bit of grumpy/sunshine going on. Especially liked Samantha's forthright nature and her unusual hobby.
August 16, 2022
So disappointed by this, since I loved the first two in the series. This one started well but the plot became very confused and the dialogue and actions of the characters became less and less historically accurate and more and more unbelievable
May 15, 2023
Just because the heroine knows how to throw knives doesn’t make her interesting which is to say, her being able to throw knives with the precision of an assassin was absolutely hilarious. Also, we get it. Caro likes desserts.
July 31, 2017
AMAZING STORY!
September 30, 2018
Loved it
Spies, intrigue, love, friendship, and loss. This book has it all. A definite must read series of books. I look forward to Robert's story.
Spies, intrigue, love, friendship, and loss. This book has it all. A definite must read series of books. I look forward to Robert's story.
January 28, 2019
Sweet
July 13, 2020
Could have been better
This could have been so much better. I really liked William and Samantha. But the part where he has to pretend to be someone else was just so ridiculous.
This could have been so much better. I really liked William and Samantha. But the part where he has to pretend to be someone else was just so ridiculous.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews